Identify all variables and write the equation in standard form
Simplify both sides by combining like terms
Isolate one variable if possible
Use substitution if one equation already solves for a variable
Use elimination if you have a system of equations
Use addition or subtraction to cancel one variable
Solve the resulting equation for the remaining variable
Substitute the found value back into one of the original equations
Solve for the other variable(s)
Check all solutions in the original equation(s)
State the final values of all variables